Tool evaluation system and method

ABSTRACT

A tool is evaluated in response to a member of the tool being moved from a first position to a second position. In this evaluation, a first force is applied to the member. The first force is operable to move the member from the first position to the second position. In addition, a second force is sensed. This second force results from a resistance of the tool to the first force. Furthermore, it is determined whether the second force exceeds a predetermined value.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication entitled, TOOL EVALUATION SYSTEM AND METHOD, filed May 30,2003, having a Ser. No. 10/448,220, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,971,273 thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a tool evaluation device.More particularly, the present invention pertains to a tool evaluationsystem and method of evaluating a tool.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is generally accepted that tools are utilized to facilitate amultitude of operations in various manufacturing and constructionindustries. Often, tools are configured to facilitate a particular task.Examples of essentially dedicated tools include wire strippers, popriveters, cutters, and crimping tools. With regard to crimping tools,the term “crimping” generally refers to the production of a mechanicaland/or electrical connection which remains essentially unchangedqualitatively over a long period of time. This connection is typicallyformed between a conductor, such as a wire, and a contact or fastener.During the crimping operation, the material to be connected ispermanently plastically deformed. Poorly conducting surface layers, ifpresent, are broken up, which promotes electrical conductivity. Acorrect crimping also prevents the ingress of corrosive media underoperational conditions such as temperature change or vibration. Otherterms which may be used to describe the crimping process includeexpressions such as pressing, squeezing, fixing or attaching.

In relatively high technology industries, such as the aerospaceindustry, it is important that each tool perform its function with ahigh degree of precision. In this regard, these tools often include a“lock-out” or other such safety mechanism configured to facilitatecorrect usage. For example, a known crimping tool or “crimper” includesa ratcheting mechanism having a pawl that clicks into a series ofdetents. Once a crimping operation has begun, the ratcheting mechanismsubstantially prevents removal of the wire and fastener until the pawlhas advanced to the last detent. Unfortunately, if the crimper is wornor defective, the lock-out mechanism may not ensure a proper crimp and aconnection having undesirable material and/or electrical properties mayresult.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a method and apparatus capableof overcoming the disadvantages described herein at least to someextent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the presentinvention, wherein in one respect an apparatus and method is providedthat in some embodiments evaluates a tool as to whether a sufficientamount of force or work has been imparted upon the tool to facilitateproper function of the tool.

An embodiment of the present invention pertains to a tool evaluator forevaluating a tool in response to movement of a member of the tool. Thistool evaluator includes an actuator configured to apply a force to themember, a controller operably connected to the actuator and theconfigured to modulate the actuator, and a first sensor configured tosense a resistance to the force and transmit a force measurement to thecontroller. In addition, the controller is configured to determinewhether the force measurement is relatively greater than a predeterminedthreshold value.

Another embodiment of the present invention pertains to an apparatus forevaluating a tool in response to a member of the tool being moved from afirst position to a second position. This apparatus includes a means forapplying a first force to the member. This first force is operable tomove the member from the first position to the second position. Inaddition, the apparatus includes a means for sensing a second force.This second force results from a resistance of the tool to the firstforce. The apparatus further includes a means for determining whetherthe second force exceeds a predetermined value.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method ofevaluating a tool in response to a member of the tool being moved from afirst position to a second position. In this method, a first force isapplied to the member. The first force is operable to move the memberfrom the first position to the second position. In addition, a secondforce is sensed. This second force results from a resistance of the toolto the first force. Furthermore, it is determined whether the secondforce exceeds a predetermined value.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain embodiments of theinvention in order that the detailed description thereof herein may bebetter understood, and in order that the present contribution to the artmay be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional embodimentsof the invention that will be described below and which will form thesubject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments inaddition to those described and of being practiced and carried out invarious ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for thepurpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conceptionupon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a tool evaluating device according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a system architecture for a tool evaluating system accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a screen capture according to an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention provides a tool evaluation device and method. Insome embodiments, the invention provides for a tool evaluator forevaluating a tool in response to movement of a member of the tool. Forexample, tools often include one or more handles (members). This toolevaluator includes an actuator configured to apply a force to themember. In general, an actuator is a mechanical device for moving orexerting force. The tool evaluator further includes a controller tocontrol movement of the actuator or modulate the actuator. Moreover, thetool evaluator includes a sensor, such as a load sensor, configured tosense a resistance to the force and transmit a force measurement to thecontroller. In addition, the controller is configured to determinewhether the force measurement is relatively greater than a predeterminedthreshold value. This threshold value typically indicates that the toolis performing within acceptable parameters. The threshold value may beempirically determined or provided by the tool's manufacturer.

Another embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides amethod of evaluating the tool. In this method, a first force is appliedto the member of the tool. The first force is operable to move themember from the first position to the second position. In addition, asecond force is sensed. This second force results from a resistance ofthe tool to the first force. Furthermore, it is determined whether thesecond force exceeds a predetermined value.

Advantages of various embodiments of the invention include, for example:(1) evaluating a tool for proper function according to the toolmanufacturers' specification; (2) determining amount of work imparted onto a work product; (3) maintaining a log of tool performance; and (4)ability to anticipate useful life of the tool.

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawingfigures, in which like reference numerals refer to like partsthroughout. As shown in FIG. 1, a tool evaluating device 10(“evaluator”) is configured to test a tool 12 disposed between anactuator 14 and a load sensor 16. In various embodiments of theinvention, the actuator 14 may include, for example, a pneumatic pistondriven ram, electromagnetic ram, electric servomotor, or the like. Tomodulate or control the actuator 16, the evaluator 10 includes acontroller 18. The load sensor 16 may include various load or pressuresensing devices, such as a load cell, pressure transducer, or the like.In this regard, the load sensor 16 is configured to sense changes inforce or pressure and relay this information to the controller.

Optionally, the tool 12 may be held in place by at least one clip, suchas clips 20 and 22. If present, these clips 20 and 22 are preferablyattached to a plurality of respective rests 24 and 26. The rest 24 isattached to a shaft 28 of the actuator 14 and configured to provide asurface to bear against a member 30 of the tool 12. The rest 26 isconfigured to provide a bearing surface on to which a member 32 of thetool 12 may thrust against. The rest 26 is connected to the load sensor16 and further configured to convey the thrust to the load sensor 16.

In addition, the evaluator 10 may include a position sensor 34configured to sense the position and/or linear travel of the rest 24 andrelay this positional information to the controller 18. For example, theposition sensor 34 may include a linear potentiometer. However, inanother embodiment of the invention, the attributes of the positionsensor 34 and actuator 14 may be subsumed within a single device. Forexample, an electric servomotor generally includes actuating andposition sensing capabilities.

The evaluator 10 further includes a base 36 operable to provide asubstantially rigid platform on to which the various other components ofthe evaluator 10 are mounted.

Depending upon the tool 12 to be tested, the evaluator 10 may include aclick sensor 38 operable to sense “clicks” emitted by and/or through thetool 12. For example, vibration through the tool 12 and/or a pressurewave generated by vibration of the tool 12 may be sensed by anaccelerometer, a microphone, and/or the like. The click sensor 38 isconfigured to relay the auditory and/or vibrational measurements to thecontroller 18. Moreover, the evaluator 10 may, optionally, include ascanning device (scanner) 40 configured to sense an identification markand/or device (“ID”) 42 of the tool 12. This ID 42, if present, may bein the form of a Universal Product Code (UPC)/European Article Number(EAN) bar code, a radio frequency (RF) tag, or the like. Accordingly,depending upon the tool 12 to be tested, the scanner 40 may beconfigured to sense the various ID forms.

In operation, the evaluator 10 is configured to test the tool 12 bymodulating the tool 12 in a manner substantially similar to thatexperienced in actual use. For example, a hand tool may be configured toperform a function as a result of two handles being moved from an opento a closed position. Accordingly, to test this hand tool, the twohandles may be driven one towards the other. However, depending uponmanufactures specifications, the tool 12 may or may not actually performits function during the test. That is, in the specific example of acrimper, depending upon the manufacturers specification regarding thecrimper, a crimped connection between a wire and a connector may or maynot be performed in order to test the tool.

It is to be noted that the conformation of the various elements of theevaluator 10 is not critical and may be altered to suit the particulartool being tested. For example, the load sensor 16 need not be disposedto be thrust upon by the member 32, but rather, the load sensor 16 maybe located in any suitable position operable to sense resistance of thetool 12 to pressure applied by the actuator 14. In this regard, specificexamples of alternative arrangements include the load sensor 16 beingdisposed between the actuator 14 and the member 30 and/or between theactuator 14 and the base 36. However, other arrangement may be suitable,again, depending upon the particular tool being tested. Similarly, thearrangement of other elements of the evaluator 10, such as the clicksensor 38 and the position sensor 34 may be altered in any suitablemanner.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a system architecture for a tool evaluatingsystem (TES) 44 according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIG. 2, the controller 18 is configured to intercommunicate with theactuator 14, load sensor 16, position sensor 34, click sensor 38, andthe scanner 40. In addition, the controller 18 is configured tointercommunicate with a memory 46, a display 48, and a keypad 50. Thememory 46 is configured to store data received from the controller 18.For example, the memory may store tool IDs, sensor readings, dates, andthe like. The display 48 is configured to provide visual information toa user. In another form, the display 48 may include a touch screenconfigured to provide a data entry capacity to the user. The keypad 50may, optionally, be included in the TES 44. If present, the keypad 50 isconfigured to provide a data entry capacity to the user.

Furthermore, in various embodiments of the invention, the TES 44 mayinclude a network 52 configured to intercommunicate with the controller18. The network 52 may include, for example, a database 54, server 56,and a multitude of other networked devices. In this regard, the network52 may include a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN),wireless network, the Internet, and the like.

Moreover, the TES 44 may include at least one table 58. This table 58may be stored to the memory 46 and/or the database 54. The table 58 maybe configured to store data relating to testing of the tool 12. Forexample, data stored to the table 58 may include the ID 42, time stamp,time, date, force, work, clicks or other events, and the like. This datamay be stored to the table 58 in the form of one or more entries, forexample. These entries may be configured to associate and store variousmeasurements sensed at a particular increment of the testing proceduredescribed in FIG. 3. For example, each measurement sensed may include anassociated timestamp. In this manner, a force profile over time may begenerated in response to the table 58. In addition, as the tool 12 issubjected to a plurality of tests, such as the evaluation describedherein, measurements collected during these tests may be retained in thetable 58. In this manner, the performance of the tool 12 over days,weeks, and months, for example, may be evaluated and a performance trendmay be extrapolated. This performance trend may be utilized tofacilitate maintenance or retirement of the tool 12 prior to failure ofthe tool 12.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method 60 according to an embodiment ofthe invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the method 60 is initiated inresponse to turning on the TES 44 at step 62 and placing the tool 12into the evaluator 10 at step 64. At step 66, the tool 12 may beidentified. For example, the ID 42 may be sensed by the scanner 40. Inaddition, the reading for the ID 42 may be utilized to retrieve dataassociated with the tool 12 from table 58 and/or the database 54. Inthis manner, any testing history for the tool 12 may be retrieved andcompared to data ascertained while performing the method 60. Inaddition, if the table 58 has not yet been created for the tool 12, atstep 66, the table 58 may be generated. Furthermore, the table 58 may bestored to the memory 46 and/or the database 54 at step 66. The followingsteps 68 to 74 need not proceed in the order presented, but rather, mayproceed in any suitable order. Furthermore, some or all of the steps 68to 74 may occur simultaneously.

At step 68, the tool 12 is modulated in a manner substantially similarto that experienced in actual use. For example, the actuator 14 may becontrolled by the controller 18 to press upon the member 30 with a forceof F_(c). In this manner, the F_(c) applied to the member 30 may betranslated through the tool 12 and result in a force of F_(r) upon theload sensor 16 via the member 32. This F_(r) upon the load sensor 16essentially represents the resistance of tool 12 to the F_(c) againstmember 30.

At step 70, the F_(r) or resistance of the tool 12 to the F_(c) issensed. For example, the F_(r) exerted by the member 32 upon the rest 26is translated to the load sensor 16. As the load sensor 16 is firmlyattached to the base 36, the F_(r) is sensed by the load sensor 16 andrelayed to the controller 18. In addition, the F_(r) forwarded to thecontroller 18 may be stored to the table 58. Furthermore, a time stampassociated with the F_(r) may be stored to the table 58. This time stampmay represent a date and time or a time since the beginning of the test,for example.

At step 72, the relative conformation of the tool 12 from an initialconformation to a concluding conformation is sensed. In an embodiment ofthe invention, a hand crimper is evaluated. This hand crimper includestwo handles with an initial conformation of these handles being in an“open” position and a concluding conformation of these handles being ina “closed” position. Thus, in this particular embodiment, the linearposition of the rest 24 is measured and the relative position fromessentially open to essentially closed is inferred. In addition, thelinear position is forwarded to the controller 14 and may be stored tothe table 58. A time stamp associated with the linear position sensedmay also be stored to the table 58. However, other manners ofdetermining the relative conformation of the tool 12 are within thescope of the invention. For example, an optical system configured todirectly sense the conformation of the tool 12 may be utilized.Furthermore, the positional measurement may be compared to an initialposition or to any previous position to determine a distance traveled.Similarly, an elapsed time to position may be determined by comparingthe time stamps associated with the sensed positions. The distancetraveled, the F_(r), and the elapsed time to position may be utilized todetermine an amount of work applied to the tool 12. For example, if theF_(r) is 500 grams (g) while the position changes 10 centimeters (cm) in1 second (s), the amount of work performed by the tool 12 is essentiallyequal to 50,000 erg or cm²*g/s².

At step 74, clicks are, optionally, sensed. In an embodiment of theinvention, the tool 12 is a hand crimper including a ratcheted lock-outmechanism having a pawl to engage a series of detents from a firstdetent to a last detent. Once the pawl has engaged the first detent, itis configured to facilitate forward only movement by locking out reversemovement of the pawl. The pawl is further configured to disengage fromthe ratchet once the last detent has been engaged. As the pawl engageseach detent, a click is emitted. Based on a manufacturer's specificationand/or empirical testing of the tool, the amount of work performed bythe tool from the beginning of the test to the last click may be apredetermined amount of work (W_(spec)). Thus, when testing this handcrimper, the click sensor 38 is employed to sense clicks and relaymeasurements to the controller 18. Furthermore, measurements associatedwith the clicks may be stored to the memory 46 and/or the database 54.Moreover, the click measurements, positional measurements and F_(r) maybe associated with one another. For example, a table of measurements,such as the table 58, may be created prior to or during the method 60and the various measurements may be stored to an entry in the table ofmeasurements at predetermined increments. It is to be noted, however, inother embodiments, any suitable sensor operable to detect appropriatestimuli may be utilized. For example, if the manufacturer of the toolbeing tested specifies that handles on this tool are to reach apredetermined angle to one another to consider the task completed, theevaluator 10 may include a sensor configured to sense the angle thehandles have to one another and relay measurements to the controller 18.

In an embodiment of the invention, it is determined if the tool 12 is inthe concluding conformation, at step 76. For example, a stroke length ofthe actuator 14 may be configured to substantially coincide with thefull range of motion for the members 30 and 32 of the tool 12. Inanother example, the actuator 14 may continue to be modulated until therests 24 and 26 are in contact. In response to determining the tool 12has not reached the concluding conformation, the actuator 14 may befurther modulated at step 68. In response to determining the tool 12 isin the concluding conformation, the last click may be determined at step78. Additionally, it is to be noted that the concluding conformation andthe last click do not, necessarily, coincide. For example, each handleof a hand tool may have a proximal end connected to a body of the handtool and a distal end. The distal ends of the handles may have a lineartravel of approximately 12 cm of separation to about 0 cm of separation.However, the last click may occur at about 3 cm of separation. Thus, inthe example provided, the concluding conformation is 0 cm while the lastclick occurs at about 3 cm.

It is to be noted, however, in other embodiments, any suitable sensoroperable to detect appropriate stimuli may be utilized. As this stimulior indicator may depend upon the tool being tested, in variousembodiments, appropriate indicators may be sensed. For example, to testa tool having a green indicator light that lights in response tocompletion of a task, the evaluator 10 may include a photo detectorconfigured to sense the appropriate frequency of light and relaymeasurements to the controller 18. In this regard, it is within thescope of the invention that the modulation of the actuator 14 is stoppedessentially at the last click. For example, if there are 12 detents, thenumber of clicks may be counted and the modulation of the actuator 14may be stopped following the 12^(th) click. In another example, if thelinear distance between the members 30 and 32 may not substantiallyincrease until the last detent has been engaged, the evaluator 10 may beconfigured to pull upon the member 30 and/or 32 following each click orafter a predetermined amount of linear travel. If this pull results in aseparation of the member 30 from the member 32, it may be determined thelast click has occurred. Therefore, the following step 78 is optional,in as much as the modulation of the tool may be stopped at thecompletion of the task or the last click in the particular examplepresented.

At step 78, measurements sensed at the completion of the task areidentified. For example, the last click may be identified. In order tofacilitate identifying the last click, it may be preferable at steps68–76, to modulate the tool 12 essentially through the full range ofmotion for the members 30 and 32 of the tool 12. The controller 18,accessing the table 58, may parse through the sensed clicks and identifythe last click sensed. The entry having this last click may be flaggedand, at step 80, this entry may be utilized to determine one or morevalues, such as the amount of work performed by the tool 12 from thebeginning of the method 60 until the last click.

At step 80, the test data is utilized to determine one or more values.These values may include, for example: force at last click; amount ofwork to last click; and/or the like. In a specific example, to determinethe amount of work to last click, the measurements sensed from theinitiation of the test up to and including the last click are accessedby the controller 18 and an amount of work (W_(test)) applied to and/orperformed by the tool 12 from initiation of the test to the last clickmay be determined.

At step 82, the test data and/or at least one value determined based onthe test data is compared to the specification provided by themanufacturer or determined empirically. For example, the W_(test) may becompared to the W_(spec). If the W_(test) is less than the W_(spec), itmay be determined that the tool 12 has failed the evaluation and, atstep 84, an indicator that the tool 12 has failed the evaluation may bedisplayed on the display 48. In addition, the table 58 may be updated toindicate the tool 12 having ID 42 has failed the evaluation.Furthermore, the date and time of the failure may be stored to the table58. If the W_(test) is greater or equal to the W_(spec), it may bedetermined that the tool 12 has passed the evaluation and, at step 86,an indicator that the tool 12 has passed the evaluation may be displayedon the display 48. In addition, the table 58 may be updated to indicatethe tool 12 having ID 42 has passed the evaluation. Furthermore, thedate and time of the passing evaluation may be stored to the table 58.Following the steps 84 or 86, the TES 44 may idle until initiation ofanother tool 12 evaluation.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a screen capture 88 according to anembodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the screen capture 88for the TES 44 includes a start icon 90, ID box 92, pass/fail box 94,image box 96, force box 98, click box 100, and position box 102. Thestart icon 90 may provide a user the capacity to initiate testing of thetool 12. The ID box 92 may provide the user the capacity to type in anID for the tool 12 or, more preferably, display the ID 42 scanned inwith the scanner 40. The pass/fail box 94 is configured to display theresults of the test. The image box 96 may provide the user the capacityto visually identify the tool 12.

The force box 98 is configured to provide a graph or other visualrepresentation of the force of resistance by the tool 12 during themethod 60 or during testing of the tool 12. For example, a curve 104 isillustrated to represent the force over time. The force box 98 includesa line 106 configured to mark a corresponding point along the curve 104at which the last click occurred. A tick 108 on the line 106 representsthe W_(spec).

The click box 100 is configured to provide a graph or other visualrepresentation of sound or vibration sensed during the test. Forexample, a wave form 110 is illustrated to represent sound sensed duringthe test. The wave form 110 includes a plurality of spikes 112 a–112 h.In general, the spikes 112 a–112 h may be determined based on where thewave form 110 exceeds a threshold value. This threshold value isrepresented by lines 114 and 116. It is to be noted that line 106 andspike 112 h essentially co-inside as a result of the determination thatspike 112 h represents the last click.

The position box 102 is configured to provide a graph or other visualrepresentation of the linear position of the member 30 during the method60 or during testing of the tool 12. For example, a curve 118 isillustrated to represent the linear position. The position box 102includes the line 106 configured to mark a corresponding point along thecurve 118 at which the last click occurred.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method 120 according to another embodiment ofthe invention. The method 120 is similar to the method 60 and thus, forthe sake of brevity, those steps described in the method 60 will not bedescribed again with respect to the method 120.

At step 122, the test according to the method 60 is performed. This testis performed while the tool 12 is essentially unloaded. For example, acrimper is evaluated in a manner similar to that described in steps 64to 80 without placing a wire and connector in the crimper. In thismanner, an amount of work into the tool 12 may be determined at step124. In addition, the work determined and a time stamp may be stored tothe table 58.

At step 126, the test according to the method 60 is performed while thetool 12 is loaded. For example, the connector and wire may be placed inthe crimper and, as a result of the modulations performed on the tool 12in the test performed in a manner similar to that described in steps 64to 80, the connector may be crimped on to the wire. Additionally, atstep 128, the amount of work into the tool 12 while loaded may bedetermined. This work while loaded and a time stamp may further bestored to the table 58.

At step 130, the work into the function performed by the tool 12 may bedetermined in any suitable manner based on the amount of work into thetool 12 and the amount of work into the tool 12 while the tool 12 isloaded. For example, the amount of work into the tool 12 may besubtracted from the amount of work into the tool 12 while the tool 12 isloaded. In this manner, the work into the function performed by the tool12 is essentially determined. For example, an amount of work (W_(crimp))into materially deforming the connector on to the wire may bedetermined. Additionally, the W_(crimp) and a time stamp may be storedto the table 58.

At step 132, the function performed by the tool 12 may be evaluated.This evaluation may be performed in a variety of ways. For example, thecrimp made by the tool 12 at step 126 may be subjected to stressors suchas temperature fluctuations, vibrations, other mechanical forces, aswell as chemical stressors. In this manner, it may be empiricallydetermined what amount of work into a crimp facilitates an acceptablecrimp. In addition, a work into crimp threshold (W_(crimp threshold))may be determined based on the empirically determined amount of workinto the crimp that facilitates an acceptable crimp. In this regard,another manner of evaluating the function performed by the tool 12 mayinclude comparing the W_(crimp) to the W_(crimp threshold). Regardlessof the manner of evaluation, if it is determined that the functionperformed by the tool is not acceptable, it may be determined that thetool 12 has failed the evaluation and, at step 134, an indicator thatthe tool 12 has failed the evaluation may be displayed on the display48. In addition, the table 58 may be updated to indicate the tool 12having ID 42 has failed the evaluation. Furthermore, the date and timeof the failure may be stored to the table 58. If it is determined thatthe function performed by the tool is acceptable, it may be determinedthat the tool 12 has passed the evaluation and, at step 136, anindicator that the tool 12 has passed the evaluation may be displayed onthe display 48. In addition, the table 58 may be updated to indicate thetool 12 having ID 42 has passed the evaluation. Furthermore, the dateand time of the passing evaluation may be stored to the table 58.Following the steps 134 or 136, the TES 44 may idle until initiation ofanother tool 12 evaluation. Moreover, it is to be noted that the orderthat the steps are performed in the method 120 are not critical and may,as suitable, be performed in any reasonable manner. For example, thesteps 126 and 128 may be performed prior to the steps 122 and 124.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from thedetailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claimsto cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fallwithin the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, sincenumerous modifications and variations will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to theexact construction and operation illustrated and described, andaccordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resortedto, falling within the scope of the invention.

1. A method of evaluating a tool in response to a member of the toolbeing moved from a first position to a second position, the methodcomprising: applying a first force to the member, the first force beingoperable to move the member from the first position to the secondposition; sensing a second force, the second force resulting from aresistance of the tool to the first force; and determining whether thesecond force exceeds a predetermined value; determining an eventoccurrence; determining whether the second force exceeds thepredetermined value in response to the event occurrence; calculating anamount of work applied to the tool in response to the event occurrence,wherein the amount of work is calculated based on the second force and adistance between the first position and a position of the member whenthe event occurs; advancing a pawl along a plurality of detents of aratcheting mechanism of the tool as a result of moving the member fromthe first position to the second position; determining whether the pawlhas advanced to a final detent of the plurality of detents, wherein theevent occurrence is determined in response to the pawl having advancedto the final detent; and determining whether an amount of work appliedto the tool exceeds a predetermined work value in response to the eventoccurrence; and determining the tool passes evaluation in response tothe amount of work applied to the tool exceeding the predetermined workvalue.
 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising sensingvibration emitted from the tool in order to determine whether the pawlhas advanced to the final detent.
 3. The method according to claim 1,further comprising storing measurements associated with the tool to atable.
 4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising sensing anidentity of the tool and accessing the table associated with theidentity.
 5. The method according the claim 4, further comprisinggenerating the table in response to sensing the identity for a firsttime.
 6. The method according to claim 3, further comprisingextrapolating a performance trend of the tool in response to the table.7. A method of evaluating a tool in response to a member of the toolbeing moved from a first position to a second position, the methodcomprising: applying a first force to the member, the first force beingoperable to move the member from the first position to the secondposition; sensing a second force, the second force resulting from aresistance of the tool to the first force; and determining whether thesecond force exceeds a predetermined value; advancing a pawl along aplurality of detents of a ratcheting mechanism of the tool as a resultof moving the member from the first position to the second position;determining whether the pawl has advanced to a final detent of theplurality of detents, wherein the event occurrence is determined inresponse to the pawl having advanced to the final detent; anddetermining whether an amount of work applied to the tool exceeds apredetermined work value in response to the event occurrence, whereinthe amount of work is calculated based upon the second force and adistance between the first position and a position of the member whenthe pawl has advanced to the final detent; and determining that the toolpasses in response to the amount of work applied to the tool exceedingthe predetermined work value.
 8. The method according to claim 7,further comprising sensing vibration emitted from the tool in order todetermine whether the pawl has advanced to the final detent.